The City of Federal Way Parks Department re-opened the West Hylebos Wetlands Park Wednesday, April 11, after repairing storm damage from the recent winter storms. Crews were able to open the portion of the boardwalk that had the most severe damage. However, there will still be some areas where visitors will need to use caution over tripping hazards until the boardwalk is replaced later this summer.

"Public safety is our first priority. After that, we wanted to get the park re-opened as quickly as possible," said Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Donna Hanson.

"With limited parks resources though, it wouldn't have been prudent to spend the money to repair all the damaged sections when the entire boardwalk will be replaced in several months."

During the closure, parks maintenance staff removed unsafe overhanging trees, cleared storm debris, and repaired areas of major damage.

Chris Carrel, Executive Director of the Friends of the Hylebos Wetlands said, "We're glad to see the park re-opening. We've had many, many inquiries from the public about the closing. The Parks Department has a lot of maintenance needs to address, and re-opening under these circumstances is the best possible solution for the time being."

The Parks Department and the Friends of the Hylebos have developed plans for replacing the boardwalk and have raised most of the funding needed. The City currently has applied for a grant from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program for the remaining funds needed. If the State Legislature approves sufficient funding for the program, Federal Way plans to replace the boardwalk this summer.

The Friends of the Hylebos Wetlands is a nonprofit conservation organization working to protect and restore the environmental quality of Hylebos Creek, the West Hylebos Wetlands, and the surrounding watershed. More information about the Friends and volunteer opportunities can be found at the group's website, www.hylebos.org, or by calling 253-874-2005.